Factsheet for measure
FI-2020-41/1237
– measures in Finland
Temporary compensation for basic social assistance clients due to an epidemic outbreak
Väliaikainen epidemiakorvaus perustoimeentulotuen saajille
Background information
The restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland have had negative economic and social consequences for the most vulnerable groups. For instance, the closure of schools in the spring 2020 increased the costs in many low-income families as they could no longer rely on school lunch or lunch provided at day care facilities.
In order to compensate for this, the Government proposed a temporary compensation for families and persons that receive basic social assistance (in Finnish ‘toimeentulotuki). This measure temporarily amends Act on Social Assistance (1412/1997) (in Finnish Laki toimeentulotuesta 1412/1997).
Content of measure
Basic social assistance is available for individuals living and residing in Finland whose income and assets do not cover essential daily needs.
This temporary compensation can be granted to persons who received basic social assistance while the restrictions were force (between March 2020 and July 2020). Only persons who have received basic social assistance in the month preceding the payment of the compensation are eligible.
The compensation is granted automatically by the Finnish social insurance institution Kela.
The amount is €75 per month and per person. The benefit is not subject to tax nor does it affect the social assistance or any other benefits.
The total budget of this measure is €60 million.
Use of measure
No information available.
Target groups
Actors and funding
|
Actors
|
Funding
|
National government
Social insurance
|
National funds
|
Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
|
Trade unions
|
Employers' organisations
|
|
Role
|
Unknown
|
Unknown
|
|
Form
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
-
Unknown
-
Main level of involvement: N/A
Involvement
No information available.
Views and reactions
No information available.
Sources
-
17 July 2020: Government proposal HE 105/2020 vp (Hallituksen esitys HE 105/2020 vp)
(www.eduskunta.fi)
-
03 September 2020: Government reaches agreement on fifth supplementary budget proposal for 2020
(vm.fi)
-
05 October 2020: Temporary compensation due to an epidemic outbreak for basic social assistance clients
(www.kela.fi)
